showed lawmakers how a previous project—a gorilla forest exhibit that required
US$11 million in state funding—resulted in US$24 million in economic impact
for the region and also created 202 jobs during the 20 months of construction.

“We did a number of strategies to engage with lawmakers, from printed
materials and tours to meetings and hearings,” Ms. Furrer says.

Mr. Tanner knows the feeling. His government-funded zoo must present
every major project plan to a legislative board. “Before the government will fund
any capital project, they want to review the project plan, including the scope,
budget, timeline and how it will bene;t the community,” he says.

Winning legislative approval takes rigorous planning and an attention to
detail beyond ROI. For instance, Ms. Furrer’s project team has worked to show
how the project aligns with federal and global standards. ;e team showed the
government how the project will meet Animal Welfare Act standards for transporting and handling, exhibit enclosure sizes and overall treatment of marine
mammals in captivity.

Although she is con;dent funding ultimately will be approved, the waiting
game creates challenges for project schedulers. Minnesota has a short construction season because of its long and frigid winters, so the 18-month construction
phase will have to be staggered over two years. Plus the team will need an additional four months to let the seals get acclimated before the exhibit can open.

Winning legislative approval takes rigorous planning and an attention to
tional four months to let the seals get acclimated before the exhibit can open.

Western Sydney Cage-Free Zoo

Location: Blacktown, Australia
Budget: AU$36 million

Timeline: Scheduled to open late 2017

Main attraction: Although exotic animals will roam seemingly free among 16. 5 hectares ( 40. 8 acres) of grassland, visitors still will enjoy a safe, front-row view. The project team
will incorporate elevated boardwalks and glassed observation
areas that won’t distract from the space’s natural beauty.

Zoo Basel Ozeanium

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Budget: CHF130 million

Timeline: Scheduled to open in 2021

Main attraction: Project leaders face a tall
task: create a five-story curved concrete building where visitors will walk down a ramp as
part of a journey through the oceans of the
world. The facility will feature thousands of
creatures from all five oceans, including sharks,
coral reefs, a giant octopus and penguins.